Big Issue Seller in Truro Receives Wooden Kiosk

A Big Issue vendor, recognized as one of Truro’s most familiar figures, has been provided with his own wooden kiosk at the Cornish city’s Christmas market. Nick Cuthbert, who has distributed the weekly magazine for 18 years, has established his selling point on Lemon Quay alongside his labrador companion, Bracken. The Big Issue is sold by individuals confronting homelessness, experiencing poverty, or who have recently become unemployed. For each £4 magazine Mr. Cuthbert sells, he retains half of the proceeds. The current Christmas edition of the magazine features an article about Mr. Cuthbert and Bracken. The year 2024 has presented challenges for Mr. Cuthbert, following the death of his previous dog, Bryony, in February. After acquiring a black labrador rescue puppy in July, he organized a public competition to select her name, with “Bracken” being the chosen option. Mr. Cuthbert expressed significant gratitude for having his own shelter at the market. “It’s brilliant, it will keep me out of the rain and winds,” he stated. He added, “I come out in whatever weather, normally I would just get really wet and blown away.” This marks the second occasion that the Christmas market in Truro has incorporated these robust wooden shelters. The cabin for Mr. Cuthbert was financed by the market’s organizers and constructed by a local garden furniture company. Jeremy Moss, representing the firm, indicated that all traders were pleased with the initiative, further remarking: “Nick is a fixture and fitting on the quay, he’s there more than they are.” He concluded, “The quay without Nick would be a different place.”